Squeezing a little ash out of an eye-dropper to get the
subtle direction of the wind, a national park ranger chose his route.
Approximately a hundred yards away a group of 4 elephant bulls were drinking
water from a sand river having dug holes for sand-filtered water. Behind him 5
other rangers walked in single file together with a trainer.

Choosing his path carefully and using the river bank as
cover, the ranger led his group toward the elephants. He eyed a spot
approximately 25 yards from the elephants, downwind from them and with a good
view, and he motioned with his hands to hunker down and follow his lead. After rechecking
the wind, he relaxed and the group stood and watched, some of them kneeling as
the elephants drank their fill. As they finished and silently began to move
away, the ranger also rose and led his group away.

Meanwhile, a few kilometers away, another ranger was
deciding where the safest place was to enjoy views of another small group of
bulls that were moving toward another section of river. Finding a termite mound
next to a big baobab tree with a good view, he stopped his group to watch the
elephants walking by.

Simon Peterson and rangers discussing the approach.

These are two examples of over a hundred and twenty elephant
approaches led by a group of 20 rangers in Tanzania’s remote Ruaha National
Park as part of a training program I coordinated. During a Wilderness Advanced
First Aid course led by Hewett Brown (A Wilderness Medical Associates
instructor with Savanna Medics), the rangers learned Tanzania appropriate first
aid skills not only to deal with emergencies and respond accordingly, but to
recognize risky situations and prevent potential problems.

Getting ready for practice.

Simulated injuries.

Armed with their new found first aid skills, the rangers next
participated in a firearms course. Familiar with automatic anti-personnel
weapons used in anti-poaching patrols, the safe use of heavy caliber rifles
used in walking safaris needed separate training as well as practice simulating
charging animals. Under the guidance of Mark Radloff, a seasoned instructor,
the rangers were put through drills to build muscle memory and improve their
shooting.

Recovered bullets from the respective ammo.

Dry fire- practicing trigger control and sight picture.

Some ballistics theory.

With the knowledge that the
rangers could deal with the medical aspects of an accident, and the knowledge
that they could handle heavy caliber rifles safely and shoot accurately, we set
off to try to ensure that they’d never have to actually use the first aid
skills or ever have to shoot an animal. We covered all aspects of walking from
necessary equipment, client briefings, walking formations, accidental
encounters, and potentially dangerous animal behavior. We also practiced
leading walks, being back-up ranger, and recognizing opportunities to provide
unforgettable experiences all the while remaining safe.

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by Nicol Ragland Photography

Identity

I am a guide and guide trainer working in East Africa. I love adventure and the solitude and peace that comes from being in the wilderness. It has led me on a search to learn as much as I can about the larger forces and concepts, as well as little intricacies and beauties in nature. I am a strong believer in conservation that is sustainable and that recognizes indigenous and other people's rights.